Effects of Soil Erosion and Sediment Deposition on Surface Water Quality: A Case Study of Otamiri River

Authors

  • J. C. Osuagwu FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECH. OWERRI, NIGERIA
  • A. N. Nwachukwu Federal University of Tech. Owerri, Nigeria
  • H. U. Nwoke
  • K. C. Agbo

Keywords:

Key Words, Run-off, erosion, sediments, gully, pollution.

Abstract

Soil erosion involves detachment soil particles and transportation by run-off with subsequent deposition of the sediments in river courses and land depressions. The otamiri river  is one of the main rivers in Imo state, Nigeria and the source for Owerri water scheme. The river runs from Egbu in Owerri, Imo state to Ozuzu in Etche, Rivers State from where it flows to the Atlantic Ocean. It is a major receiver of sediments from numerous gullies in the watershed. The objective of study was to analyse the nature and extent of the effects of the sediments inflow on the major quality parameters of the river with a view to making recommendations on sustainable preservation of the river. Water samples were collected during runoff inflows at two different locations (A and B) simultaneously for physical and biochemical tests.  Location A was near the source at Egbu while B is a location downstream near discharge point of a major gully. The results showed marked fluctuation in quality between samples from location A and B. .  Measured values of Ph, hardness, Iron, chloride, BOD, TSS and TDS indicated 30.8%, 88.9%, 50%, 60% , 176%, 94.5% and 84.4% differences respectively.  The value of pollution index computed for sample B is 2.43 while that of Sample A is 1.22. This is an indication of a higher level of level of pollution of sample B relative to Sample A. The results indicate that sediments adversely affected surface water quality.

 

Author Biographies

J. C. Osuagwu, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECH. OWERRI, NIGERIA

SENIOR LECTURER, DEPT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

A. N. Nwachukwu, Federal University of Tech. Owerri, Nigeria

SNR. LECTURER, DEPT. OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

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Published

2014-10-15

How to Cite

Osuagwu, J. C., Nwachukwu, A. N., Nwoke, H. U., & Agbo, K. C. (2014). Effects of Soil Erosion and Sediment Deposition on Surface Water Quality: A Case Study of Otamiri River. Asian Journal of Engineering and Technology, 2(5). Retrieved from https://ajouronline.com/index.php/AJET/article/view/1711

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 5 (2014): October 2014

Section

Articles

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